Court Services Prosecutor

Reporting to the Manager Prosecution & Collection Services the Court Services Prosecutor is responsible for providing services and consultation pertaining to the prosecution and appeal of Provincial Offences Act cases before the Ontario Court of Justice for offences under Provincial Statutes, Federal Statutes and Municipal By-laws.

• Paralegal degree and licensed with the Law Society of Ontario, or equivalent designation.

• 3-5 years of courtroom experience or equivalent work experience in a legal department/firm or law enforcement is preferred.

• Previous experience providing support and training to per diem prosecutors and staff dealing with prosecution matters is preferred.

• Licensed member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Provincial Offences Act, Highway Traffic Act, Canadian Constitution, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and appropriate statutes, regulations, by-laws and case law.

• Experience in a computerized environment with knowledge of Microsoft Office and database management software.

• Ability to communicate and provide legal services in both English and French is preferred.

• Evaluates charges to determine if there is a reasonable prospect of conviction.

• Reviews admissibility of evidence.

• Determines the appropriate course of action, researching and analyzing issues.

• Researches and prepares specific case law responses.

• Conducts motions, trials and other court proceedings.

• Reviews and prepares disclosure as required.

• Reviews statements of witness, interviewing and preparing witnesses.

• Prepares and directs the preparation and serving of associated court documents.

• Orders transcripts as required.

• Request interpreters as required

• Negotiates settlements as required.

• Participates in early resolution meetings, pre-trials and first-attendance meetings, discussing charged with defendants or legal representatives, making determinations to proceed with charge, withdrawing or reducing the charge, and attending before the Justice of the Peace for final decision.

• Reviews and analyses existing programs and procedures to ensure compliance with current case law and legislation and Provincial and Regional guidelines.

• At the direction of the Senior Prosecutor, provides advice, guidance and training to per diem prosecutors, law enforcement officials, members of the legal profession, ministry officials, general public, Regional staff, municipal staff and others as required with respect to requirements and procedures under the Provincial Offences Act, including pre-charge consultation, interpretation of regulations, methods of dealing with complex legal issues and related issues.

• Notifies Senior Prosecutor and, if appropriate, local Crown Attorney and the Attorney General of any matters that may raise substantive legal issues at trial or appeal.

• Notifies the Regional Federal Crown Prosecutor for offences designated as contraventions under the Contraventions Act.

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.

• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.

• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to all court locations in the Niagara Region.